Vladimir the Great, founder of The Golden Age of Kievan Rus’

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During the 10th and 11th centuries, Kievan Rus’ became the largest and most powerful state in Europe. The Varangians later assimilated into the Slavic population and became part of the first Rus’ dynasty, the Rurik dynasty. Kievan Rus’ was composed of several principalities ruled by the interrelated Rurikid kniazes (“princes”), who often fought each other for possession of Kyiv.

The Golden Age of Kievan Rus’ began with the reign of Vladimir the Great (980–1015), who turned Rus’ toward Byzantine Christianity. During the reign of his son, Yaroslav the Wise (1019–1054), Kievan Rus’ reached the zenith of its cultural development and military power.

Glory to Ukraine!

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